EXCLUSIVE: Calum Ritchie Details Emerging Chemistry With Maxim Shabanov Amid Bigger Islanders Role
In an exclusive conversation, Islanders rookie Calum Ritchie breaks down his growing chemistry with Maxim Shabanov, how their games complement each other, and how he’s handling a bigger role.
EAST MEADOW, NY — When you think of the New York Islanders’ duos, you think of Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, Emil Heineman and Bo Horvat, JG Pageau and Simon Holmstrom, Matthew Schaefer and Matt Martin’s kids — there’s a long list.
But there’s another duo emerging, and that’s the duo of Maxim Shabanov and Calum Ritchie. The two rookies have shown great chemistry since Shabanov returned against the Colorado Avalanche after missing 10 games with an upper-body injury.
When they are on the ice, chances seem to come at an incredibly rapid rate, especially in transition. The two have been on the ice for 32:12 minutes at 5-on-5, and while the Islanders have been outshot 17-11 in those minutes, they’ve outchanced the opposition 14-11, outscoring them 2-1.
Following Tuesday’s practice, Ritchie spoke exclusively with The Elmonters about his chemistry with Shabanov, his game so far, and more: